Ants have been a major issue here in New Mexico right now. There are many species of ants, but a common ant you will find indoors, and outdoors are the little black ants. They typically have colonies outdoors but will make their way indoors in search of food and water to take back to their colonies. They are omnivores, feeding on both plant and animal foods. Little black ants feed on a variety of foods including sweets, meats, grease, insects, and even feed on bird feces. Some of these colonies can contain several queens. Here is a pic of little black ants!

A couple of other ants you may see out in your yard or just being out on your adventures are the Harvester and southern fire ants. They may look common but are two different types of ants.

HARVESTER ANT                                                                                     FIRE ANT

                                                    

Both ants can be aggressive and can deliver a painful bite. A single ant can deliver many bites. Symptoms are similar to each other but both minor and the pain will go away within a couple hours.

FACTS FOR HARVESTER ANTS:

  • Red harvester ants are most active during hot, dry conditions.
  • They are a favorite food source of horned lizards.
  • Worker harvester ants are often collected or sold as inhabitants of ant farms.

 

FACTS FOR FIRE ANTS:

  • Usually dark colored, but sometimes they are bicolored with a red head and thorax and black abdomen.
  • These large mounds can damage mower blades particularly when ants are swarming, and they make their mounds even higher with debris or clay soils.
  • Ants will also invade non-crop areas, rights-of way, roadsides, farm fields, and buildings, searching for food, moisture and shelter.

 

HERE ARE SOME HELFUL, NATURAL TIPS TO HELP YOU GET RID OF ANT:

  • Cinnamon = Ants inhales this and they suffocate
  • Vinegar = As long as the scent remains, ants will get lost off their trail
  • Lemon juice, or any citrus peels = acidic oils found in citrus is toxic to ants and will deter them off their trail.
  • Peppermint Oil = Peppermint oil is also a strong irritant, which can cause the ants to flee or even die.
  • Chalk = they can’t stand the bitter smell the leaves exude. So put bay leaves in cabinets, rooms, or where ants are bugging. The leaves will quickly deter them.

 

And if all else fails, call The Bugyman Exterminators!